Generalization: any opinion, statistic, preference or observation regarding the ability required to actually play death metal is just irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that it's one of the most difficult types of music to plainly pull off, let alone make it sound fresh, engaging and intelligent. Technical proficiency is mandated from each band member, and it damn sure is the main prerequisite that may or may not lead them to become a band that's worth anyone's time. It is, however, natural to let that fact slip into the background of one's mind when one indulges oneself in an endless procession of bands from all the corners of our blue planet. There are many examples. and Obduktion's _Pain Chronicles_ is one of them.

This feature presentation of tonight's is the latest offering from Greek extreme metal specialists I for an I Records, and it is the third full-length release from these five Athenian death metal maniacs. _Pain Chronicles_ successfully chronicles a shit load of excruciating pain, and compounds it in just 28 minutes to successfully complete a blistering crash course in brutality.

"Eaten From Inside" is a gore-influenced, disgusting piece that gives me the creeps every time in the last few seconds, but it does have some catchy melodies and some clever use of two different snare sounds from drummer Robert Kovacic, of former Belphegor fame. "Morbid Curse" attacks with powerful up-tempo trilling and blasting which will loosen any tight necks, while the title track, with its spastic blasting and pulsating growls, is one of the shortest, most relentless bludgeons I've ever enjoyed being on the receiving end of.

"Semi Humans" has more spacious riffing at times, with some additional lead guitar lines thrown in for good measure, but that extra breathing space is instantly sucked out by "Inner Conflict" thanks to its ultra-aggressive no-nonsense execution. This pummeling execution really is what's at the core of _Pain Chronicles_ and it certainly is not for everyone who would take a passing interest in the jagged and unwelcoming world of extreme metal. But for those of us entrenched in all things distorted, down-tuned and growled, this is quite an appreciable slice of brutality, and the involuntary clenching of my fist is a sign that many fellow death metal fans will also enjoy it.